Sewing machine attachment

ABSTRACT

A sewing machine attachment is disclosed which cuts a label from a label ribbon, folds the label and feeds the folded label into the sewing machine where it is sewn automatically to a garment or other article. In the preferred embodiment the operation of the mechanics of the attachment is controlled by an electronic control circuit that is also responsive to the presence of the garment on the work surface.

United States Patent 1 Weigert SEWING MACHlNE ATTACHMENT [75] lnvcntor: Karl Weigert, Englishtown, NJ.

[73] Assignee: Reliable Attachment Company, New

York, NY.

[22] Filed: Sept. 6, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 286,747

[52] U.S. Cl. 112/104 [51] Int. Cl D05b 3/12 [58] Field of Search 112/104, 121.29,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,513,791 5/1970 Fulp 112/104 1,151,846 8/1915 Adams 112/104 2,694,372 11/1954 Hadfield 1l2/l21.29

Reeber et a1. 112/130 X Anderson et a1. 112/130 X FROM LABEL REEL 1 Oct. 23, 1973 3,381,639 5/1968 Miller 112/130 1,996,728 4/1935 Mitchell..... 112/130 X 3,133,466 5/1964 Seifert 112/130 X FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 959,523 6/1964 Great Britain 112/104 Primary Examiner-Geo. V. Larkin Attorney-Anthony H. Handal [57] ABSTRACT A sewing machine attachment is disclosed which cuts a label from a label ribbon, folds the label and feeds the folded label into the sewing machine where it is sewn automatically to a garment or other article. In the preferred embodiment the operation of the mechanics of the attachment is controlled by an electronic control circuit that is also responsive to the presence of the garment on the work surface.

' 15 Claims, 8 Drawing; Figures FROMLABEL REEL PAIENIEUUBI 23 1915 3766.870

PAIENTEDom 23 1915 3.766.870

sum 3 or 6 SEWING MACHINE ATTACHMENT ing machine which will perform the operation of cutting a garment label from a label ribbon, folding the garment label and feeding the folded label intothe sewing machinewhere it is automatically sewninto'the gar ment.

In the garment-industry, it is customary during the fabrication of a garment to affix a label to the garment indicating such things as brand or size. Generally, the labels are printed on a continuous cloth strip or ribbon. In sewing 'a garment, when the operator of a machine has reached the point where the label is to be sewn into the garment, the machine is stopped and a label must be manually prepared. The spool on which the label ribbon is wound is usually mounted at a point adjacent the operator. Naturally, it cannot be mountedon the work surface, or on any nearby area where it is likely to interfere with the sewing of the garment. This results in some inconvenience to the operator in that even after going to the trouble of stopping the machine, he is forced to turn around to remove a label from the printed ribbon. This results in added movement and a corresponding consumption of time. The operator must then take hold of the scissors and manually cut a label from the ribbon, visually ascertaining the proper length of the label. This operation cannot be performed without the operator using both hands. This poses an additional problemin that if the garment is heavy or bulky, it will tend to pull away from the machine thus forcing the operator to realign the garment in i the machine when he resumes the sewing operation. After the label has been cut, theoperator must then manually fold it and simultaneously feed the folded label and the garment into the sewing machine in order that the label might be properlysewn into the garment. The operation of manually feeding the label and the garment into the machine at the same time is difficult to master and therefore requires the employment of a skilled sewing machineoperator. Furthermore, even askilled operator, due to the clumsiness of this operation, is forced to take added care and time to perform it.

Due to the difficulties involved in the above described operation, garment manufacturers have over the years attempted to implement a number of solutions to the problem of sewing labels into garments. In some factories, the sewing of the garment is broken up into several separate operations, with the hardest steps, such as the sewing of the label into the garment, being left to the more experienced operators. However, this results in inefficiencies due to the necessity of transfer: ring unfinished garments between machines and operators and the corresponding problem of forcing each operator to pick up each garment anew and orient himself to the task to be performed. It would be much simpler if a method could be devised whereby the use of a skilled operator is not necessary.

Another approach to the problem involves the use of a label which is not folded. This simplifies the operation considerably in that the operator does not have to take time to fold the label and further requires less skill in feeding the label into the machine because he has only one edge of label and one edge of garment to align as opposed to two edges of label and one edge of garment.

However, the aesthetic appearance of unfolded labels is not pleasing. Furthermore, due to the fact that the two edges of a label are not sewn; they tend to lose threads at the edges and thus decompose.

It has also been suggested that the operation could be simplified through the use of a separate machine which cuts and folds the labels from the label strip automatically. Despite some of the problems which such a system does solve, the operator is still faced with the task of stopping the machine, turning to a position where the label folder is located, grasping a folded label, realigning the garment and then coordinating the simultaneous feeding of the garment and the label into the machine. Due to these problems, this approach has also been found unsatisfactory and has not seen widespread acceptance.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a sewing machine attachment. which will automatically cut a label from a label ribbon, fold it and feed it into a sewing machine.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an automatic sewing machine attachment which will sew labels into a garment without any aid from the operator.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide a label feeding and cutting attachment for a sewing machine which will perform the operation of removing a label from a label ribbon and sewing it into a garment without the necessity of the operators stopping the machine.

It is yet still a further object of this invention to provide a sewing machine attachment which can perform the label cutting, folding and feeding during operation of a machine by a relatively unskilled operator.

It is still a further object of this invention to provide a labeling attachment for sewing machines in which all labeling functions are controlled by electronic circuitry at a great reduction in labor costs.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages of this invention will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken together with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an end elevational viewof the attachment of the present invention and the sewing machine used in conjunction with the attachment from the needle end of the sewing machine;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view along line 2-2 of the machine and attachment illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the clamping arm mechanism;

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view, partially in section, of the label tape feed mechanism; g 7

FIG. 5 is asectional view taken along line 5--5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a fragment of a label ribbon; and i FIGS. 7A and 7B are together a diagram of the electrical control circuitry.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 5, the sewing machine attachment 1 is illustrated attached to a conventional sewing machine 2. Plate 147 is rigidly secured to the frame of the machine and mounting board 11 is secured to plate 147 by a pin 148 through ears integral with said members 11 and 147. The same structure is necessary to take the attachment in one single piece and manually secure it to the machine. This may be accomplished through the provision of a pair of bolts that extend from the top of the machine and are placed to extend through plate 147. The device can then be secured by the use of wing nuts. While the machine illustrated is of the type which trims the edge of the material and sews a binding stitch which prevents the material from unraveling, it is understood that the attach ment of the present invention may be used'with any machine requiring a cutting, folding and feeding operation. Thus, the concept of the invention could be used with machines affixing labels, for example, through the use of an adhesive. Furthermore, while the attachment in the preferred embodiment uses electrical controls and electro-mechanical operators, it is understood that the concept of the invention can be applied to a system using pneumatic actuators and a fluidic control circuit.

In operation, the label ribbon 3 with index marks 4 is fed through guide 6 which is secured to side'element 7 of the sewing machine attachment. The label ribbon then proceeds through a guide track defined by a smooth track element 8 and two walls 9. The ribbon is gently pressed against track 8 by leaf spring 160. The label ribbon is advanced through the rotation of wheel 12. Wheel 12 is rotated when motor 13 is activated. The shaft of motor 13 is coupled to chain 14 by a gear 15. Chain 14 in turn meshes with sprocket gear 16 which, along with wheel 12 is secured to shaft 17. Thus, when toothed gear 16 rotates, it causes wheel 12 to rotate, advancing the label ribbon. Wheel 12 is urged into contact with the guide track and, in particular with the track element 8, through the action of lever 18. Shaft 17 is rotatably mounted in lever 18 as is the shaft of motor 13. Lever 18 is spring biased through the action of spring 21 which is secured on one end to lever 18 by screw 19 and on the other end to a screw 22 mounted on board 11. Because of the action of this spring, lever 18 urges wheel 12 into engaging relationship with the label ribbon 3. In order to provide traction, which is necessary to advance the label through the attachment, the wheel 12 is knurled to increase its coefficient of friction. I I

Actuation of electric motor 13 as well as all the other electro-mechanical components of the assembly is controlled through the action of the electronic control circuit illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 713 whose operation will be described below. As the label ribbon advances, its edge is scanned for the presence of the index marks 4 which indicate where the label is to be cut in order that the legend on the label would be properly centered and the label be the proper size when it is folded. As the label moves, the scanning of its edge is accomplished through the action of a photo-sensitive device 23 and a light bulb 24 which are disposed on opposite sides of the label ribbon as illustrated in FIG. 5. Light 24 is mounted in a recess in track 8 through which its light shines on photo-sensitive device 23. When an index mark passes over the photo-sensitive device, the light beam reaching the device is blocked and the electronic control circuitry which the photo-sensitive device drives, stops motor 13, thus stopping the advancement of the label ribbon. and setting up conditions that allow for the performance of the remaining tasks of cutting, folding and feeding the label onto the garment. If it were dsired to perform this task pneumatically, one might use a ribbon with holes in it and a pneumatic detector.

As soon as the feeding of the label ribbon is stopped, solenoid 26 is activated by the electronic control circuitry. Its arm 27 is thus caused to rotate and push rod 28 which is pivotally mounted on arm 27 thus causing knife 29, which is'pivotally mounted at its base on track element 8 to advance forward and in conjunction with bedplate 30 mounted on track 8 to cut a label. Bedplate 30 is a hard metal compared to track 8 and thus satisfactorily performs its cutting function. The machine is designed in such a manner that the distance between knife 29 and the photo-sensitive device 23 is exactly the length of one label. In this manner, when the knife cuts a label off, it is severed at an index mark. There is now a single label inside folding box 31. The folding box can be made of several discrete parts, or it can be machined from a single piece of metal as illustrated in FIG. 4. Flanges 32 and 34 define a guide 35 for folding blade 46. A second desirably tapered passage 38 is machined in flanges 32 and 34. The unfolded label is prevented from falling out of passage 38 through the provision of a stop 39 which is secured by screw 41 to mounting board 11. It is noted that the distance between the knife edge and stop 39 must also be the distance between two index marks.

The folding box 31 is secured to mounting board 11 in such a position that folding passage 37 is disposed exactly between stop 39 and the edge of knife 29. After the label has been cut, the control circuitry activates solenoid 42, causing it to rotate its arm 43 driving rod 44 which is hingedly secured both to arm 43 and folding blade 46. As folding blade 46 advances through passage 37 in box 31, it meets the cut label 47 and forces it through passage 37 thus folding it in half. When the actuating current is removed from the solenoid, it springs back leaving the folded label protruding from passage 37.

The folded label is now disposed between the open upper and lower feet of the clamping mechanism. Clamp arm 52 is pivotally mounted on rod 51. Rod 51 is slidably supported by hearing block 55 secured to side element 7. Lower foot 48 is secured to clamp arm 52 by screw 53 and can be adjustably mounted on the clamp arm due to the provision of elongated slot 54. The upper foot 49 is secured torod 56 which is slidably mounted in guide members 57 and 58 of clamparm 52. When the folding operation has been completed, solenoid 59 is activated, thus causing its arm 61 to rotate to the position indicated by the phantom lines in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. This causes foot 49 to advance to and meet lower foot 48, thus securely holding folded label 47. Upper foot 49 and lower foot 48 form a clamp. Actuation of the solenoid also causes the arm 61 to push down on rod 62, thus depressing the button on switch .63, which sets the logic of the electronic control circuitry.

When the label is securely grasped by the clamp arm 52; cam 64 is rotated by motor 66. As cam 64 rotates, stud 67 depresses switches 68 and 69 at different points of angular displacement. These switches are connected to the control circuitry and furnish the control circuitry with information concerning the position of the various elements of the system and thus provide the necessary control signals. As cam 64 rotates, it also rotates arm 71 which is pivotally secured to connecting rod 72, which in turn is pivotally secured to rod 51 by block 75. Thus, as cam 64 rotates, rod 51 is advanced toward the sewing machine head 73. As it advances toward the sewing machine head, clamp arm 52, which is pivotally mounted on rod 51' also advances toward the sewing machine head. At the top of clamp arm 52, there are two roller elements 741 and 76, which are in rolling contact with opposite sides of guide rail 77 which extends toward the sewing machine head in a path which is diverted from the horizontal both slightly upward and toward the front of themachine. Guide rail 7'7 is held by support block 80 secured to plate 7. Thus, as the clamp arm 52 advances towardthe sewing machine head, it is caused to rotate on rod 51 and follow a path which brings it to the position shown in phantom lines in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 from-which it continues to move in the same direction. In this manner, the label is effectively fed under the foot 78 of the machine and sewn to the garment by needle 165. The folded label 47 along with material 81 is advanced under the foot 78 of the machine through the action of the feed dog '79. The presence of material 81 on the sewing machine is sensed by photo-sensitive device 82. The work surface 83 of the sewing machine is normally highly polished and mirrorlike and the photo sensitive device 82 is responsive to the reflection of light from light source 8 1, and due to the light dispersing effect of the material will indicate the presence of the material to the control circuitry. The photo-sensitive device 82 and the light bulb 841 are mounted on support element 86 which can be adjustably secured to rod 87 which is supported by bracket 88. Bracket 88 is secured to side element '7. As soon as the label has been sewn into the garment, the clamp arm 52, through the action of spring 98 and annular sleeve 95, releases its hold on the label and it returns to itsinitial position where another label has already been cut and folded and is in a position extending from passage 37 where it may be grasped by the clamp arm. Of course, theadvancement of the label ribbon, the cutting of the label and the folding of the label can be done as soon as the clamp arm 52 has removed the previously folded label. I y

We will now proceed with a description of the operation of the electronic control circuitry illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B, which, when taken together and joined along line A-B form a complete diagram of the electrical circuit in accordance with the present invention. 110 volts of alternating current is supplied to the system through terminal pairs 92. The system is turned on and off by the action of DPST switch 91 which applies the voltage to the primary of transformer 96 which is fused by fuse 93. Transformer 96 provides 21 volts AC which is rectified by .full wave bridge rectifier 97 and filtered to provide a DC voltage by a filter comprising resistor 89 and capacitor 91. Power is also applied to transformer 98, which has an output of 6.3 volts 'AC which is applied to full wave bridge rectifier 99 which provides a pulsating DC output. The output of the bridge rectifier is then applied through a low pass filter comprising resistor 1111 and capacitor 182 which provides a relatively unfiltered DC output. However, due to the fact that this power supply must be used to power the integrated circuits in the system, it is necessary that an additional stage of filtering be added in order that the DC output of the power supply be ripplefree. For this reason, a voltage rgulator comprising Darlington transistor 103, resistor 11M and zener diode 106 is provided. This power supply also provides power for the lamps 24 and 84 which supply light for detection by photo-sensitive devices 23 and 82.

In order that we might more clearly understand the operation of the electronic control circuitry, we might consider the initial or quiescent conditions of the circuitry and the various components which it controls. in the quiescent state, motor 13, which is an AC motor, is continuously running. As noted above, motor 13 is .activated in the system through the action of its internal solenoid 187 which activates an internal motor clutch. Photo-sensitive devices 82 and 23 are photo-transistors and are in their saturated state. Flip-flops 108, 189, 111, and 112 are in their set states, that is, the Q outputs are in their logical l or high state. Diac 113 is in its off or non-conducting state. The solenoid drive Darlington transistors 114, 116, 117 and 118 are also off and non-conducting. Inverters 119 and 121 are in their on state and hence have a logical 1 output and inverters 122 and 123 have an output which is a logical 0.

The sequence of operation commences when the operator places the material to be sewn on the machine and the presence of the material :is sensed by phototransistor 82. Transistor 82 is connected to the 5-volt supply by collector resistor 126. Proper biasing of transistor 121 is accomplished by varying potentiometer 127. When the material is sensed, the voltage at the collector of transistor 82 goes high which in turn saturates transistor 126. Transistor 12 1 then triggers flipflops 188 and 111 into their reset state. in the reset state, thefioutput of flip-flop 188 goes to a high or logical 1 state which in turn saturates transistor 128 whose base is connected to the 6 output of flip-flop 108 by diode 129. Transistor 128 is biased by resistor 131 and is connectedto the 5-volt supply by resistor 132. When transistor 128 is saturated, it sends a signal through diode 133 to the gate of diac 113. This causes diac 113 to become activated. This then causes the cam motor 66 to operate. Simultaneously, the t output of flip-flop 111 goes high which controls transistor 116. Transistor 116 then activates the clutch solenoid of motor 13.

For each cycle comprising the steps of cutting, folding and feeding, the cam motor 66 is rotated through a single revolution. At a predetermined point in the 360 revolution, a micro-switch 69* is closed. Switch 69 triggers flip-flop 189 into a reset state and the 6 output of flip-flop 109 goes to a high or logical 1 state. Darlingto n transistor 114 is then saturated by thefi output of flip-flop 109 thus activating label clamping solenoid 59. At the end of one revolution, micro-switch 68 is closed which inturn returns flip-flop 188 to its original or set state and turns the cam motor 66 off.

Simultaneously, label tape advance motor 13 is activated and starts feeding tape intothe system from a supply reel. Photo-transistor 23 is driven out of saturation when it senses an index mark on the edge of the label ribbon. Transistor 137 is then saturated and sets flip-flop 111. Ribbon advance motor 13 is then deactivated. When flip-flop 111 returns to its set state, flipflop 112 is triggered into its reset state and its Q output goes high. This activates the circuit consisting of capacitor 138 and inverters 121 and 123 which perform the function of a mono-stable multi-vibrator. Transistor 117 is then saturated by inverter 123 to w ich it is connected by diode 139. When Darlington t ansistor 117 is saturated, it activates the tape cutter solenoid 26. When the output of inverter 123 returns to its quiescent state, a negative pulse is coupled through capacitor 141 which sets flip-flop 112 causing the Q output of flip-flop 112 to return to its high or logical 1 state.

Of course, the length of the monostable pulse provided by inverters 121 and 123 is dependent upon the RC time constant of the input circuit which is primarily determined by capacitor 138 and resistor 142. The same can be said of the combination of inverters 119 and 122, capacitor 143 and resistor 144. When flip-flop 112 is returned to its set state, it also activates the circuit consisting of capacitor 143 and inverters 119 and 122 which as discussed above also perform the function of a monostable multi-vibrator. Transistor 118 is then saturated for the period of the multi-vibrator which is determined primarily by the time constant of resistor 144 and capacitor 143. During this time the tape folder solenoid 42 is activated. When tape folder solenoid 42 returns to its rest position, switch 146 is then closed returning flip-flop 109 to its set state. The system is thus returned to its quiescent state and awaits the introduction of the next garment into the machine to begin the cycle again.

Manifestly, the invention as described is susceptible to modifications both as regards details of construction and arrangement of parts without departing from the inventive concept and the right is herein reserved to all such modifications within the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Having described the invention, what is claimed is:

1. An attachment adapted for use with a sewing machine, comprising:

a. an arm;

b. clamp means secured to said arm for grasping an article;

0. a guide track;

d. guide means mounted on said arm adapted to engage said guide track;

e. first means for supporting said guide track; and

f. second means for causing said arm to move in a path extending substantially in the same direction as said guide track, said arm being pivotally mounted on said second means, and said guide track extending at'an angle skew to the path defined by said pivot point, whereby said clamp means advances in a predetermined path in the transportation of said articlef 2. Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said clamp means comprises an upper and a lower foot and said lower foot can be adjustably secured at varying distances from the point where said arm is pivotally mounted on said second means. I

3. Apparatus as in claim 2, wherein said article is a folded label further comprising:

g. feeder means for feeding a predetermined length of a label ribbon;

h. blade means for cutting a label from said label ribbon; and

i. folder means for folding said cut label and retaining said cut label in a position where it may be grasped by said clamp means. I

4. Apparatus as in claim wherein said feeder means comprises a wheel and a guide track and said wheel is spring biased toward said labe ribbon resting on said guide track.

5. Apparatus as in claim 4 wherein said folder means is a reciprocating blade which engages said out label' and folds it by advancing it through a passage.

6. Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said article is a folded label, further comprising:

g. feeder means for feeding a predetermined length of a label ribbon;

h. blade means for cutting a label from said label ribbon; and

i. folder means for folding said cut label and retaining said cut label in a position where it may be grasped by said clamp means.

7. Apparatus as in claim 6 wherein said feeder means comprises a wheel and a guide track and said wheel is spring biased toward said label ribbon resting on said guide track.

8. Apparatus as in claim 7 wherein said folder means is a reciprocating blade which engages said cut label and folds it by advancing it through a passage.

9. Apparatus as in claim 8, further comprising:

f. a first device for actuating said advancing means;

g. a second device for operating said blade means;

h. a third device for actuating said folder means;

i. a fourth device for actuating said clamp means;

- j. a fifth device for actuating said second means; and

k. control circuitry for controlling the operation of said first, second, third, fourth and fifth devices.

10. Apparatus as in claim 9 further comprising a source of light and a photo-sensitive device for detecting the presence of a material to be sewn on the work surface of a sewing machine and furnishing this information to said control circuitry.

11. A sewing machine attachment for use in conjunction with a sewing machine having a work surface, comprising:

a. feeder means for feeding a predetermined length of a label ribbon;

b. blade means for cutting a label from said label ribbon;

'c. folder means for folding said cut label;

d. clamp means for taking hold of said folded label;

and

e. advancer means for moving the folded label toward the head of said sewing machine and feeding it into said head whereby said folded label is attached to a garment being sewn by the sewing machine.

12. Apparatus as in claim 11, further comprising:

f. a first electromechanical device for actuating said advancing means; a

g. a'second electromechanical device for operating said blade means;

h. a third electromechanical device for actuating said folder means;

i. a fourth electromechanical device for actuating said clamp means;

j. a fifth electromechanical device for actuating said second means; and

k. control circuitry for controlling the operation of said first, second, third, fourth and fifth electromechanical devices.

13. Apparatus as in claim 11 wherein said feeder means comprises a wheel and a guide track and said wheel is spring biased toward said label ribbon resting on said guide track.

14. Apparatus as in claim 13 wherein said folder means is a reciprocating blade which engages said out label and folds it by advancing it through a passage.

15. Apparatus as in claim 13 further comprising a source of light and a photo-sensitive device for detecting the presence of a material to be sewn on the work surface of the sewing machine and furnishing this information to said control circuitry.

t 4 =3 *2 at: 

1. An attachment adapted for use with a sewing machine, comprising: a. an arm; b. clamp means secured to said arm for grasping an article; c. a guide track; d. guide means mounted on said arm adapted to engage said guide track; e. first means for supporting said guide track; and f. second means for causing said arm to move in a path eXtending substantially in the same direction as said guide track, said arm being pivotally mounted on said second means, and said guide track extending at an angle skew to the path defined by said pivot point, whereby said clamp means advances in a predetermined path in the transportation of said article.
 2. Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said clamp means comprises an upper and a lower foot and said lower foot can be adjustably secured at varying distances from the point where said arm is pivotally mounted on said second means.
 3. Apparatus as in claim 2, wherein said article is a folded label further comprising: g. feeder means for feeding a predetermined length of a label ribbon; h. blade means for cutting a label from said label ribbon; and i. folder means for folding said cut label and retaining said cut label in a position where it may be grasped by said clamp means.
 4. Apparatus as in claim 3 wherein said feeder means comprises a wheel and a guide track and said wheel is spring biased toward said label ribbon resting on said guide track.
 5. Apparatus as in claim 4 wherein said folder means is a reciprocating blade which engages said cut label and folds it by advancing it through a passage.
 6. Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said article is a folded label, further comprising: g. feeder means for feeding a predetermined length of a label ribbon; h. blade means for cutting a label from said label ribbon; and i. folder means for folding said cut label and retaining said cut label in a position where it may be grasped by said clamp means.
 7. Apparatus as in claim 6 wherein said feeder means comprises a wheel and a guide track and said wheel is spring biased toward said label ribbon resting on said guide track.
 8. Apparatus as in claim 7 wherein said folder means is a reciprocating blade which engages said cut label and folds it by advancing it through a passage.
 9. Apparatus as in claim 8, further comprising: f. a first device for actuating said advancing means; g. a second device for operating said blade means; h. a third device for actuating said folder means; i. a fourth device for actuating said clamp means; j. a fifth device for actuating said second means; and k. control circuitry for controlling the operation of said first, second, third, fourth and fifth devices.
 10. Apparatus as in claim 9 further comprising a source of light and a photo-sensitive device for detecting the presence of a material to be sewn on the work surface of a sewing machine and furnishing this information to said control circuitry.
 11. A sewing machine attachment for use in conjunction with a sewing machine having a work surface, comprising: a. feeder means for feeding a predetermined length of a label ribbon; b. blade means for cutting a label from said label ribbon; c. folder means for folding said cut label; d. clamp means for taking hold of said folded label; and e. advancer means for moving the folded label toward the head of said sewing machine and feeding it into said head whereby said folded label is attached to a garment being sewn by the sewing machine.
 12. Apparatus as in claim 11, further comprising: f. a first device for actuating said advancing means; g. a second device for operating said blade means; h. a third device for actuating said folder means; i. a fourth device for actuating said clamp means; j. a fifth device for actuating said second means; and k. control circuitry for controlling the operation of said first, second, third, fourth and fifth devices.
 13. Apparatus as in claim 11 wherein said feeder means comprises a wheel and a guide track and said wheel is spring biased toward said label ribbon resting on said guide track.
 14. Apparatus as in claim 13 wherein said folder means is a reciprocating blade which engages said cut label and folds it by advancing it through a passage.
 15. Apparatus as in claim 13 fuRther comprising a source of light and a photo-sensitive device for detecting the presence of a material to be sewn on the work surface of the sewing machine and furnishing this information to said control circuitry. 